Welcome to the Â鶹´«Ã½ Trade Commission’s 2013 Annual Highlights. Continuing a tradition started last year by former Chairman Jon Leibowitz, I am pleased to showcase the FTC’s recent accomplishments in this exciting electronic and interactive format.
The FTC is a bipartisan federal agency with a unique dual mission to protect consumers and promote competition. For nearly one hundred years, our collegial and consensus-driven agency has championed the interests of American consumers. As we head into our second century, the FTC is dedicated to advancing consumer interests while encouraging innovation and competition in our dynamic economy.
In the Annual Highlights, you will find an overview of our agency’s major initiatives and achievements since April 2012. Our accomplishments include:
- Protecting consumer privacy, both online and off, in an increasingly digital world;
- Containing the rising costs of health care and prescription drugs;
- Fostering competition and innovation in cutting-edge, high-tech industries;
- Challenging deceptive advertising and marketing; and
- Safeguarding the interests of the most vulnerable consumers, such as children and the financially fragile.
In addition to the efforts of our outstanding agency staff, the FTC collaborates with law enforcement partners across the country and around the world to advance our crucial consumer protection and competition missions. Through outreach to consumers and the business community, we also facilitate dialogue and offer meaningful education and guidance. And beyond our borders, the FTC cooperates with international agencies and organizations to protect consumers in the global marketplace.
Over the last three years, I have been privileged to work alongside the FTC’s talented and dedicated staff to advance the interests of American consumers. My fellow Commissioners – Julie Brill, Maureen Ohlhausen, and Joshua Wright – join me in thanking our agency employees for their tireless efforts. As Chairwoman, I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on the FTC’s proud history and usher in our next century of service to the American public.
Edith Ramirez, Chairwoman